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R Fries

Publications and source records attributed to R Fries.

250 records · Page 14Linked to original sources

The HMGI-C gene is a likely candidate for the autosomal dwarf locus in the chicken.

In order to map the autosomal dwarf (adw) locus in the chicken, 11 segregating families were created. Initially five of these families were used for a linkage experiment in which the genome was scanned with microsatellites using a technique called bulked segregant analysis. Subsequently animals from 11 families were typed individually for microsatellites that appeared to be linked. We were able to detect genetic linkage of the adw locus to five different microsatellite markers on chromosome 1, the closest showing a recombination fraction of only 0.03 (LOD score 32.12). In mice the phenotype pygmy shows a striking similarity to the autosomal dwarf phenotype in chickens, both having a disproportionately large head. The pygmy locus has been mapped on mouse chromosome 10 and found to represent a mutation in the gene coding for high-mobility group protein I-C (HMGI-C). Considering the synteny between regions of chicken chromosome 1, mouse chromosome 10 and human chromosome 12, and taking into account both the phenotypic characteristics and the mode of inheritance of the chicken adw and the mouse pygmy loci, the HMGI-C gene is a major candidate gene for the adw locus in the chicken. Fluorescence in situ hybridization of metaphase chromosomes with the chicken HMGI-C gene as a probe, showed that the chicken HMGI-C gene is indeed closely linked to marker LEI146 on chromosome 1.

Animals↗

A cosmid specific for sequences encoding a microtubule-associated protein, MAP1B, contains a polymorphic microsatellite and maps to bovine chromosome 20q14.

A clone for the bovine gene MAP1B was isolated from a bovine cosmid library with a probe obtained by cross-species PCR. The single positive cosmid clone was localized by FISH to chromosome region 20q14. Analysis of the cosmid revealed the presence of a microsatellite motif with a two-allele polymorphism detectable by PCR amplification of genomic DNA. However, the analysis of this polymorphism in a bovine family affected by SMA indicated absence of very close linkage of the phenotype for bovine SMA with MAP1B.

Animals↗

Conclusions and activities of previous expert groups: the Scientific Steering Committee of the EU.

In 1998, the EU Commission consulted its Scientific Steering Committee (SSC) to give advice on actions against anti-microbial resistance based on scientific evidence. The SSC set up a working group and adopted in 1999 an Opinion on Antimicrobial Resistance. Statements given in the well-structured document are clear, and precise recommendations were proposed. Summarizing, the Committee stated: There is evidence to suppose a continuous flow of resistance genes between pathogenic and commensal bacteria and of transfer of these bacteria between different compartments of the biosphere, thus changing the genetic resources continuously. There exist numerous factors which influence the emergence and spread of anti-bacterial resistance. However, it is likely that restriction in the use of anti-microbials will lead to a containment or a reduction of the drug resistance problem. Actions should be taken promptly to reduce the overall use of anti-microbials in a balanced way in all areas: human medicine, veterinary medicine, animal production and plant protection.

Animals↗

[Food animal surveillance: search for a safe system?].

In Europe, meat inspection procedures have been established in the course of the last century. Techniques at that time available were used. This traditional approach has been taken over with the regularisation in the EEC. However, in order to scrutinise this approach as well as to specify modern tasks of meat inspection, a scientific and more basic approach is required and could read as follows: Pointing out the tasks of meat inspection as wanted by the specific society (human health, animal health and welfare as well as a certain quality level of the product). Collecting of particular criteria in order to ensure every task mentioned above. This could be addressed by use of a system based on the principles of Risk Analysis (identification and characterisation of a hazard (or unwanted item), consumer's exposure assessment). Having deduced the required criteria, for each of them an appropriate method must be available. Only then an overall system might be suggested, and only then particular techniques might be discussed. From examples is concluded, that the technical performance of meat inspection must be re-evaluated. Presently a total concept is not available.

Animals↗

[Critical evaluation of the treatment-dependent prognosis index TPI based on the "prospective DOSAK study on squamous cell carcinomas of the lips, oral cavity and oropharynx"].

The "Treatment Dependent Prognostic Index" (TPI), which has been published by the authors in 1982 as a result of a retrospective observational study of the DOSAK (German-Austrian-Swiss Association for Head and Neck Tumors), is submitted to a critical review. For this purpose a sample of 1485 patients representing the "Prospective DOSAK-Study on Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Lips, the Oral Cavity and the Oropharynx" were classified according to TPI. 13 TPI groups exhibited greater than or equal to 20 patients and were suitable for calculation of observed survival and comparison to their TPI prognoses. In 10 of 13 TPI groups observed and predicted survival are almost identical. 3 TPI groups show a considerable lack of correspondence between observation and prognosis. In general, the analyses revealed a high prognostic validity of TPI in its substantial parts. A further improvement of TPI by taking several tumor sites into consideration seems possible and will be a subject of future investigations.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗